Mac Mini 2012 base model as a media center questions

[marcello696]

I'm looking at getting the base model for a HTPC that will stream content from my NAS.

I was dead set on getting the mid level model but after today's announcement is an i7 quad core cpu really needed for this purpose?

figured I'd save $200 and upgrade the RAM to 8gb and have a solid media center with some transcoding of high bitrate .mkv blu ray rips to Plex media clients and maybe a little bit of gaming for things like Portal 2 but nothing harcore (got a gaming PC for that).

the dual core i5 should be able to handle this and no need for SSD since Im streaming over gigabit from a NAS correct?

 

[GGJstudios]

I'm looking at getting the base model for a HTPC that will stream content from my NAS.

I was dead set on getting the mid level model but after today's announcement is an i7 quad core cpu really needed for this purpose?

figured I'd save $200 and upgrade the RAM to 8gb and have a solid media center with some transcoding of high bitrate .mkv blu ray rips to Plex media clients and maybe a little bit of gaming for things like Portal 2 but nothing harcore (got a gaming PC for that).

the dual core i5 should be able to handle this and no need for SSD since Im streaming over gigabit from a NAS correct?

Yes, any Mac mini made in recent years can easily do what you describe. You don't need the new model for that.

 

[talmy]

Not only will any recent Mini do the job, but you also don't need to upgrade the RAM to 8GB. I've got two minis I use as media centers, both base late 2009 models with 2GB of RAM, even bought refurbished!

You might want to even consider not just a base refurbished model but even pick up a used one.

 

[marcello696]

thank you everyone! looks like the refurbs are sold out, I'll just buy a new one, dont want to mess around with buying a used one without a warranty.

 

[GGJstudios]

thank you everyone! looks like the refurbs are sold out, I'll just buy a new one, dont want to mess around with buying a used one without a warranty.

If you want a refurb, you can use refurb.me to be notified when they become available. All Apple refurbs come with Apple's 1 year warranty and qualify for AppleCare.

 

[fa8362]

thank you everyone! looks like the refurbs are sold out, I'll just buy a new one, dont want to mess around with buying a used one without a warranty.

More refurbs will be available by next week. They don't last long though.